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Rate the Ad: Sky TV: 'Knocked Up' Tadpoles

Published on September 10, 2008.

Last week on Rate the Ad, we took a look at controversy surrounding the premier of Kevin Smith's newest film, "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." The Motion Picture Association of America banned the movie's poster, which features surprise-faced costars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks with what looks like the tops of each other's heads at lap height. While Rogen and Banks are fully clothed, the glaring use of "Porno" in the movie tile signals sexual act loud and clear. We wanted to know if you thought the MPAA was cashing in on some payback (the film industry watchdog initially wanted to movie rated NC-17, Smith contested and won R rating) or if the reference would truly be inappropriate for children.

Rate the Ad viewers were polarized on the ban, especially the place of sexual innuendo in all-ages movie theaters. Representing the Damn-the-Man set, "bethpedone" says, "It might be ban-worthy only if they'd used the alternate spelling of 'coming' in that all-caps call to action. Lighten up, MPAA."

On the other side, some Rate the Adsters threw aside their lecherous advertising cloaks and put on their parent hats to address the question. Commenter "jrabidue" says, "I don't have a problem with the ban. By no means am I a prude, but at the same time I am a father of two kids. It would be nice to not have to have the conversation with my 8- and 5-year-olds as to what 'porno' means. I realize that the placements will be in media that has low kid consumption. But that doesn't mean they won't see it. All I ask is for a little common sense in what is put out there for consumption."

Moving from Kevin Smith to Judd Apatow, but keeping Seth Rogen and sex constant, this week we turn to inventive outdoor in New Zealand promoting "Knocked Up" on Sky Movies. DDB, New Zealand built a poster-sized fish tank for a mall, collected hundreds of tadpoles and filled a model egg with fish food. Add water and the sperm-like tadpoles were attracted to the giant ovum, giving mall-goers a look at what impregnation looks like under a microscope, right between the shoe store and overcoats. In light of last week's "Porno" ban, we want to know if this would swim stateside. Would you parents out there have to answer uncomfortable questions from your kiddies? Will those poor tadpoles have to turn into frogs in the cold, hard mall? Let us know what you think of Seth Rogen-related creative Round Two, below.